Prabowo Subianto conducted a surprise inspection of national rice stocks in Central Java, reinforcing the government’s push to strengthen food security amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The unannounced visit took place at a warehouse complex operated by the state logistics agency BULOG in Magelang, where the president was accompanied by Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono. The inspection focused on verifying rice availability and storage capacity ahead of potential supply pressures.
According to Sudaryono, the president prefers direct observation over relying solely on written reports, underscoring a hands-on approach to monitoring essential food reserves.
“Mr. President does not rely on written reports; he wants to directly review the rice stocks stored in the warehouse,” Sudaryono said in a statement cited in Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that the sudden inspection was intended to ensure that national food reserves are not only sufficient on paper but also physically available and ready for distribution when needed. The visit forms part of broader government efforts to safeguard food stability in anticipation of global disruptions.
The Magelang warehouse complex, which has a storage capacity of approximately 7,000 tonnes of rice, was found to be operating at full capacity during the inspection. Sudaryono said this reflects strong national stock levels and effective distribution management.
He also noted that similar conditions were observed in other BULOG facilities across Indonesia, including warehouses in Makassar and Bone in South Sulawesi, indicating a broadly stable supply chain across regions.
Indonesia has recorded a significant improvement in agricultural output over the past year. Sudaryono highlighted that rice production in 2025 increased by 13.29 percent, supported by expanded planting areas and government policy interventions aimed at boosting productivity.
“The government’s rice reserves (CBP) stand at around 4.8 million tonnes as of April 2026, the highest in history,” he said, expressing optimism that supply conditions would remain stable in the coming months.
He added that total national rice availability is projected to reach approximately 28 million tonnes. This figure includes government-controlled reserves, rice already circulating in the market, and expected output from upcoming harvest cycles.
“This amount is equivalent to 11 months of supply,” Sudaryono emphasized, noting that such levels provide a strong buffer against potential external shocks.
The deputy minister further explained that the government has instructed BULOG to intensify domestic rice procurement in 2026. The target has been raised to at least four million tonnes, up from three million tonnes in the previous year.
This policy shift reflects efforts to strengthen domestic absorption of farmers’ harvests while simultaneously maintaining adequate national reserves for stabilization purposes.
To support these operations, the government allocated approximately Rp16.5 trillion (nearly US$1 billion) in 2025 for BULOG’s procurement and distribution activities. Officials say the funding is designed to balance the interests of both producers and consumers.
Sudaryono stressed that pricing policies remain central to the government’s food strategy, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation while consumers are protected from excessive price volatility.
Indonesia’s food security strategy has become increasingly important as global supply chains face disruptions caused by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating commodity markets. In this context, maintaining stable rice reserves is seen as a critical pillar of national resilience.
The inspection in Magelang also reflects a broader political message from the administration, emphasizing transparency, direct oversight, and accountability in managing essential public goods.
By physically verifying stock conditions, the president aims to reinforce public confidence in the government’s ability to manage staple food supplies effectively.
Food security has long been a sensitive issue in Indonesia, where rice remains the primary staple for the majority of the population. Even minor disruptions in supply or price increases can have widespread social and economic impacts.
Officials argue that the current reserve levels provide a significant improvement compared to previous years, reducing the likelihood of shortages and stabilizing market prices.
At the same time, authorities continue to monitor global developments closely, particularly fluctuations in international grain markets and energy costs that could indirectly affect domestic logistics and distribution.
The government has also expanded coordination between ministries and state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency in procurement, storage, and distribution systems. BULOG remains a central institution in this framework, responsible for maintaining strategic reserves and intervening in the market when necessary.
Sudaryono reiterated that the administration’s approach is proactive rather than reactive, aiming to anticipate potential disruptions before they affect consumers.
He added that ongoing policy measures, combined with increased production and strengthened reserves, position Indonesia more securely in terms of food availability than in previous years.
As the inspection concluded, officials expressed confidence that current stock levels are sufficient to meet national demand for nearly a year under normal conditions, providing a critical buffer in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The Magelang visit, while brief and unannounced, underscored the government’s continued focus on food security as a core element of national stability and economic resilience.
